Duke, I cannot see them returning to Spain. Whether or not Inaki is imprisoned, somehow, someway, Cristina will get a job in the U.S. Their lifestyle will continue much the same, everyone who follows them will wonder how, JC and Sofia will most likely support them because of the grandchildren. and this will follow them for years to come.

Their life in Washington, D.C. is not without stress. I read an article with pictures of Cristina being followed into a grocery store by the press and asked questions about Inaki. I don't understand how people can think King Juan Carlos could afford to support Cristina in her current lifestyle if Inaki loses his job or goes to prison. JC does not have the income or wealth of other monarchs and Inaki reportedly makes close to a million dollars a year with benefits.

Their life in Washington, D.C. is not without stress. I read an article with pictures of Cristina being followed into a grocery store by the press and asked questions about Inaki. I don't understand how people think King Juan Carlos could afford to support Cristina in her current lifestyle if Inaki loses his job or goes to prison. JC does not have the income or wealth of other monarchs and Inaki reportedly makes close to a million dollars a year with benefits.

True enough, Lindy. Cristina will never be free from that kind of media attention. Given what is starting to come out about her in the press regarding this matter, that's really too bad.

I'm thinking of the four innocents here. Children in the U.S. are completely oblivious to this. Even among their parents who are aware there is a monarch in Spain, the "Urdangarin" surname will mean nothing to them.

Prosecutors are asking for a hefty bail for Inaki - hence perhaps the renovations of the house for collateral for the bail bond:

This article is really frightening for them. Bail bond for Inaki and his partner may be set at 4 million euro each! Plus further investigation as to whether Cristina should be charged, as she was a partner with Inaki in a company to which services were subcontracted. Very sad indeed for their family and the children.

Sad, but understandable. By all accounts, Cristina was not only aware of the wrongdoings, but also actually assisted her husband. If she hadn't been the King's daughter, an Infanta of Spain, she would have most definitely been charged.

As for the bail, it sounds reasonable to me; both Inaki and his partner have financial means to escape justice, if it comes to that. I strongly doubt Inaki would compromise the Monarchy to that extent, but it is theoretically possible. In most similar cases (large-scale financial corruption or machination cases), bail was set at similar threshold.

While I do feel sorry for their children, I must admit having zero sympathy for Cristina and Inaki. They were in position of immense privilege and responsibility, but choose to compromise not only their own honour, but also put the very institution of Monarchy at risk. What did they expect? That they'll never be caught? That the King's name and influence will protect them?

While I do feel sorry for their children, I must admit having zero sympathy for Cristina and Inaki. They were in position of immense privilege and responsibility, but choose to compromise not only their own honour, but also put the very institution of Monarchy at risk. What did they expect? That they'll never be caught? That the King's name and influence will protect them?[/QUOTE]

I really WANT to believe that they were innocent of the fact that they couldn't do exactly what they wanted. I feel that they just thought since they required more money, no one would question, especially Cristina who was always the King's favorite. He [the king] would always protect her. She was raised that way and could see no problem. Times have changed and now the media will investigate everyone and everything. She is right in there with the wrong doing along with her husband.

The only thing that will get her out of the media's cross-hairs is if someone else in the Royal Spanish Family gets into a rotten scandal [like Felipe divorcing or living with a mistress]! Until that happens, Inaki and Cristina will take center stage with all the back-lash falling on the King because of the stupid secret way he tried to cover it all up!

__________________Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet shed on the heel that crushed it - Mark Twain

Sad, but understandable. By all accounts, Cristina was not only aware of the wrongdoings, but also actually assisted her husband. If she hadn't been the King's daughter, an Infanta of Spain, she would have most definitely been charged.

As for the bail, it sounds reasonable to me; both Inaki and his partner have financial means to escape justice, if it comes to that. I strongly doubt Inaki would compromise the Monarchy to that extent, it is theoretically possible. In most similar cases (large-scale financial corruption or machination cases), bail was set at similar threshold.

While I do feel sorry for their children, I must admit having zero sympathy for Cristina and Inaki. They were in position of immense privilege and responsibility, but choose to compromise not only their own honour, but also put the very institution of Monarchy at risk. What did they expect? That they'll never be caught? That the King's name and influence will protect them?

I completely agree about everything. I don't feel sorry for anyone involved - and I feel tremendously sorry for those who were not, most especially the children.

This is a high bail, but this is a big, big charge. If Cristina is charged, then you have some more bail.

And both parents possibly facing a criminal trial (seriously, these poor children!). A week ago I would have said Cristina will get a pass, no matter what her involvement. Now I think she will be investigated, I think these matters reported are setting the stage for the public to prepare for the investigation phase, just like they did with Inaki. She is not out of the woods by any means.

Alright, I have to agree with you guys. If Christia was involved then she needs to face the music as well. I hate to say that but she is just as guilty and being a Princess should not be a factor for her not to face punishment. I just hate the thought of those kids being without their parents. How horrible and shameful. I suppose she will be questioned and if its the truth then so be it with the punishment. What a true dishonor to her family and to the people of Spain.

A week ago I would have said Cristina will get a pass, no matter what her involvement. Now I think she will be investigated, I think these matters reported are setting the stage for the public to prepare for the investigation phase, just like they did with Inaki. She is not out of the woods by any means.

I'm still unsure whether she'll be investigated but I hope she will.

Aside from the children, I have no sympathy whatsoever for Cristina and Inaki. She is the daugther of a King who thought she was entitled to do what she wanted, he was the "golden Basque, Barca handball player boy" that could do no wrong. That is, with the exception of ending his relationship with his long time GF when Cristina came knocking on his door. .

Alondra, I think that the most likely scenario here is a guilty plea, no jail time and restitution, as was pointed out in Duke of Marmalade's most recent post.

There are several reasons for this, including potential damage to the reputation of the SRF, avoiding a veritable circus surrounding the trial, as well as the tremendous cost of prosecution. It's cheaper for the taxpayer to accept a guilty plea and obtain restitution.

My only gripe is that if the Duke is to avoid jail time, it should be FULL restitution. They have assets.

The house in Barcelona is rumoured to be worth around 6 million, but probably not if you have to sell under pressure. Still, even a modest lifestyle for a family of six will cost money, especially outside Spain.

In my opinon the nepotism will continue after the scandal, the family will be offered housing and jobs by rich friends / relatives who owe JC a favour.

The house in Barcelona is rumoured to be worth around 6 million, but probably not if you have to sell under pressure. Still, even a mosted lifestyle for a family of six will cost money, especially outside Spain.

In my opinon the nepotism will continue after the scandal, the family will be offered housing and jobs by rich friends / relatives who owe JC a favour.

Yes, this is most likely what will happen.

Whether or not they have assets, they should have to pay restitution like everyone else who has a judgment against them. Let them work in the future to pay off any judgment instead of ski vacations in Morocco and private schools for the kids.

Cristina will come under pressure either way, apparently Spains banks need 40 Billion Euros and La Caixa is the third largest, I wonder how long they will continue to provide Cristina with a 200.000 Euro per year job for - yes, for what exactly?

Cristina will come under pressure either way, apparently Spains banks need 40 Billion Euros and La Caixa is the third largest, I wonder how long they will continue to provide Cristina with a 200.000 Euro per year job for - yes, for what exactly?

I'm wondering how long Inaki will remain at Telefonica. Will he last there if/when formal charges are filed, or would they keep him on payroll if/when there is a plea and or conviction?

I'm wondering how long Inaki will remain at Telefonica. Will he last there if/when formal charges are filed, or would they keep him on payroll if/when there is a plea and or conviction?

It will only happen in agreement with the King since he was the one who placed him there.

If he pleads guilty or is found guilty its likely that he has to go, Telefonica S.A. has to answer to its shareholders and there will be too much negative publicity. Not to mention that Inaki is on a far too absurd salary to keep him there.

It will only happen in agreement with the King since he was the one who placed him there.

If he pleads guilty or is found guilty its likely that he has to go, Telefonica S.A. has to answer to its shareholders and there will be too much negative publicity. Not to mention that Inaki is on a far too absurd salary to keep him there.

That makes sense. For most people, once you plead guilty to such a charge (which is what he appears to be angling towards) it is difficult if not impossible to get such a high ranking position again, or any position.